Naomi Pasemann Elementary librarian Julie Snyder recently taught a very special lesson.
When students pick up a book, they seldom notice the authors’ and illustrators’ names, or think about the process of how the book comes together. For this lesson Mrs. Snyder wanted to visually show how a book comes to life, and for the students to be able to see an original drawing from a book in the library.
Frances Hill, a famous writer from Austin, and Vera Rosenberry, an astonishing book illustrator from England, partnered together and created a children’s book called “The Bug Cemetery.”
After the book was published, Rosenberry gave Hill all the original drawings from the book as a gift. Hill then gave the original art from page 24-25 in the book to friend and longtime Taylor educator, Tim Crow. Crow then offered the illustration to Snyder for display in the library where it could provide a learning experience for students.
“What a wonderful and unique present that was from Ms. Hill,” said Crow. “It makes me so happy so see it in the Pasemann library where it can be enjoyed by students and staff.”
A book that helps children deal with loss, the story begins when a boy finds a dead ladybug. He and his sister hold a pretend funeral, but when a beloved pet dies, funerals are no longer fun. The Bug Cemetery explores the difficult emotions associated with losing a loved one.
“It is great for the kids to make a connection that it is an original piece of art by Vera Rosenberry that she drew for this book,” said Snyder. “With this lesson, the students are able to compare the picture in the book with the original drawing, and also recieve a little insight into how a book comes to life.”
Snyder said students have enjoyed the book so much that it is constantly being checked out and is never on the shelf.
